Aim. To assess the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition.Materials and methods. As a part of a cross-sectional study, the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition was assessed using the active questionnaire survey. 400 students aged 14-15 took part in the survey. Before the questionnaire survey, the respondents were informed about the research objectives, and the confidentiality and anonymity of the answers were guaranteed. Statistical data processing was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 software.Results and discussion. The analysis of the survey results demonstrated the insufficient level of knowledge among students regarding rational nutrition. Only 43% pupils were able to correctly answer the question of which substances are the main source of energy in the body. 56% pupils demonstrated knowledge about the plastic role of proteins in the human body. Only 14% pupils new the «alimentary-dependent diseases» concept. The majority of respondents associated rational nutrition only with the prevention of obesity, diabetes and anorexia.So, 23.3% respondents believed that less than 400 grams of vegetables and fruits are enough in the daily diet, 17.8% believed that only vegetables should be in the daily diet, since fruits contribute to weight gain and have a harmful effect on health. 88% pupils were convinced that gluten «glues blood vessels and intestines», promotes weight gain and the development of inflammatory processes. 68.5% respondents believed that washing down food with liquid is harmful, as liquid can «dilute» gastric juice and disrupt the digestion of food. 59.5% pupils adhere to the myth of the dangers of eating after 18:00.Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate a low level of awareness among schoolchildren regarding rational nutrition, which can lead to the formation of irrational eating behavior in them and, as a result, a prerequisite for the development of alimentary-dependent diseases. It is necessary to develop and implement educational programs aimed at improving the level of literacy of adolescents in matters of healthy nutrition. This will reduce the risks associated with the occurrence of functional disorders and diseases in the future.

Introduction. The relevant direction of studying the physical development of children and adolescents is the study of the dynamics of changes anthropometric indices from generation to generation. Systematic monitoring of regular indices in different regions is necessary. Material and methods. A one-step study of anthropometric indices of 2990 healthy boys of East Kazakhstan aged from 6 to 17 years was carried out in 2016. Children were clustered into age groups and ethnicity according to the principles of anthropology. The research of anthropometric indices was performed according to generally accepted methods in the morning. The chest circumference was measured during the pause period. The values of anthropometric indices of schoolchildren in 2016 were compared with the values of similar indices of children in 1986. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used to statistically process the data. Results. In modern boys of the Kazakh nationality there is a harmonization of growth and weight indices. The maximum weight gain and chest circumference increase occurs at the same time as the “growth jump,” while 1986 schoolchildren had an average annual body weight gain one year late after the start of the rapid growth period. In Russian boys born in 1986 the maximum weight gain is established at 14 years, and in modern children - at the age of 13 years. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the multi-year dynamics of children’s anthropometric indices revealed acceleration trends reliably confirmed by the higher values of these indices in modern boys compared to their 1986 peers.There have been established national characteristics in the physical development of boys.

This study analyzes ten-year trends in the incidence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disorders (ENMDs) among children and adolescents (0–17 years) in urban areas of Kazakhstan, considering socio-economic influences. A retrospective analysis of national data from 2013 to 2023 was conducted using linear regression to assess temporal trends and associations with health and economic indicators. Nationally, IDA incidence declined significantly: –278.4 cases per 100,000 among children aged 0–14 and –305.4 among adolescents aged 15–17 (both p < 0.001). ENMD incidence also decreased, particularly among adolescents (–154.0 per 100,000; p < 0.001). A 1000 KZT increase in household food expenditures was associated with a reduction in IDA incidence by 203–216 cases per 100,000 (p < 0.001), emphasizing the importance of accessible, nutritious diets. In contrast, DM incidence among adolescents rose by 1.7 cases annually per 100,000 (p < 0.05), possibly reflecting urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increasing obesity. DM and ENMD rates were significantly linked to consumption expenditures, pediatric bed availability, and endocrinologist density. These findings underscore the need for integrated, equity-focused prevention and improved healthcare access for children and adolescents amid ongoing demographic and nutritional transitions.

Aim. To analyze current scientific publications addressing the impact of urbanization-related factors on the dietary patterns and eating behaviors of school-aged children, in order to identify key nutritional risks, regional disparities, and justify directions for future interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing child nutrition in urban environments. Materials and Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted using databases of peer-reviewed publications, including eLIBRARY.ru, CyberLeninka, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms and their combinations included: «school-aged children», «eating behavior», «dietary habits», «sugar-sweetened beverages», «nutrition hygiene», «urban environment», «urbanization», «ultraprocessed foods», «fast food», and «nutritional assessment». The search was limited to sources from peer-reviewed journals, including those officially recommended by national scientific accreditation bodies, as well as internationally indexed journals. Results. The review revealed that urbanization exerts a multifaceted and predominantly adverse influence on children's eating behavior. There is a consistent trend toward reduced intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products, accompanied by increased consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods. Numerous studies highlight widespread micronutrient deficiencies among children living in urban settings, which negatively affect their health status. A significant association was established between a family’s socioeconomic status and the quality of children’s diets. Conclusion. The findings underscore the relevance of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of schoolchildren’s nutrition in urban settings. Educational institutions and the broader social environment can serve as key platforms for implementing preventive and educational interventions aimed at promoting sustainable healthy eating habits among children.

Background/Objectives: Kazakhstan currently lacks representative data on the actual consumption of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients among students, despite the rising interest in the subject of children’s nutrition. The objective of the study was to assess the actual nutritional status of urban schoolchildren and identify differences depending on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A 24 h dietary survey was used. The final analytical dataset included 865 children aged 7 to 17 years, representing only the two specified ethnocultural groups. We divided these participants into three groups according to standard age classification: 7 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, and 15 to 17 years. We calculated the nutrient profile using national and international food composition databases. Results: We found an age-related trend toward increased consumption of fluids, proteins, fats, and several micronutrients. Adolescents (15–17 years) had a higher intake of simple sugars and a lower intake of starch compared to other age groups. Age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors (family income and food expenditure) were statistically significantly associated with BMI and diet composition, with caloric intake and essential nutrient intake increasing with age. Conclusions: The results emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions that go beyond school meals, such as controlling the food environment, lowering the availability of ultra-processed foods, boosting the availability of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, and creating mechanisms for tracking and assessing the efficacy of Kazakhstan’s revised school meal standards.

Introduction. The relevant direction of studying the physical development of children and adolescents is the study of the dynamics of changes anthropometric indices from generation to generation. Systematic monitoring of regular indices in different regions is necessary. Material and methods. A one-step study of anthropometric indices of 2990 healthy boys of East Kazakhstan aged from 6 to 17 years was carried out in 2016. Children were clustered into age groups and ethnicity according to the principles of anthropology. The research of anthropometric indices was performed according to generally accepted methods in the morning. The chest circumference was measured during the pause period. The values of anthropometric indices of schoolchildren in 2016 were compared with the values of similar indices of children in 1986. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used to statistically process the data. Results. In modern boys of the Kazakh nationality there is a harmonization of growth and weight indices. The maximum weight gain and chest circumference increase occurs at the same time as the “growth jump,” while 1986 schoolchildren had an average annual body weight gain one year late after the start of the rapid growth period. In Russian boys born in 1986 the maximum weight gain is established at 14 years, and in modern children - at the age of 13 years. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the multi-year dynamics of children’s anthropometric indices revealed acceleration trends reliably confirmed by the higher values of these indices in modern boys compared to their 1986 peers.There have been established national characteristics in the physical development of boys.